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Mid-Size Trucks Plan For A Strong Comeback

Auto Manufacturers Plan To Re-Kindle The Fire On The Mid-Size Truck Market

By TTM Staff

Over the past year, it seems like mid-sized pickup sales have slowed to a crawl or stopped completely. But this doesn't mean that auto manufacturers have been asleep at the drawing board. New mid-size truck models are scheduled to debut this fall and beyond, which many manufacturers hope will further ignite sales in this market.

For truck accessory manufacturers, the scramble to get new mid-size model trucks will be hectic but new products for these vehicles will also mean that there will also be a surge in aftermarket accessory sales when these vehicles are released. While many 2015 model trucks are completely new, some will be the same with new models pending for 2016 and beyond. Here's a short re-cap of what some of the manufactures have in store this fall.

2015 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the leading mid-size truck in this market. For 2015, the truck will keep its' standard 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 236-hp 4.0-liter V-6 as an option. Toyota improved it's TRD Pro Series truck with additional suspension upgrades and improved off-road capability to try and compete against the Ford Raptor. The TRD Pro Series will include improved appearance items, a locking differential and a taller, improved suspension system.

2015 Chevy Colorado
The highly anticipated new Chevy Colorado is completely redesigned and will incorporate a standard 193-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the optional 3.6-liter V-6 with 302 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. With 6700-lb towing capacity on the V6, it may sway customers to this capable mid-size pickup for towing boats, jet skis, motorcycles and a small travel trailer.

2015 GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon will be similar to the Colorado, but will also have more luxury features and high-tech convenience items. It too will be powered by either a 2.5 liter or 3.6 liter engines, and with an available six-speed automatic and a capable 6700 lbs towing capability, the truck may get some new customers who want improved fuel economy.

2015 Nissan Frontier
Sales on the Nissan Frontier for 2014 have been stagnant but with the introduction of the 2015 model being unchanged, the truck may not get as many sales as the freshly designed trucks in the segment. Nissan claims that the truck may get a full make-over in two years, but in the meantime, the truck will still rely on it's dated appearance. But the 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder and optional 4.0 liter V6 still provide good power and fuel economy for those who love the brand. 2015 models will have a slightly higher price tag, but the truck is still one of the least expensive in this segment.

2016 Honda Ridgeline
Honda Ridgeline sales have also been almost stagnant. According to Honda there won't be a new re-design for another year or so. The company did release some information on the 2016 model that didn't show much, but did have a different body line than current models. Reports have indicated that the current production models will cease in 2014 with the next generation possibly to debut in mid or fall 2014.

2015 Ford Ranger
One of the most iconic mid-size pickups is still not available. While new Global Models are being tested, it's not sure when the new Ford Ranger will re-appear in the U.S. market. Reports have speculated that Ford is working on a different truck, from the global unit being sold now, will be re-introduced in the U.S. But speculation as to what type of powertrain and towing capability, but Ford will not allow GM to completely take over that market segment.